Air conditioner

ABSTRACT

An air conditioner is provided that may include a heat exchanger including a plurality of refrigerant tubes, a distributor disposed at one side of the heat exchanger to divide a refrigerant into a plurality of flow paths, a plurality of capillary tubes that extends from the distributor toward the plurality of refrigerant tubes, and a bypass tube that extends from the plurality of refrigerant tubes. The bypass tube may allow the refrigerant to bypass the distributor, thereby guiding a flow of the refrigerant toward an outlet of the distributor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0105769, filed in Korea on Aug. 14, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

An air conditioner is disclosed herein.

2. Background

Air conditioners are apparatuses that maintain air within a predetermined space at a most proper state according to a use and purpose thereof. In general, such an air conditioner may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and evaporator. Thus, the air conditioner may have a refrigerant cycle, in which compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant are performed. Thus, the air conditioner may heat or cool a predetermined space.

The predetermined space may be variously provided according to a location at which the air conditioner is used. For example, when the air conditioner is disposed in a home or office, the predetermined space may be an indoor space of a house or building. On the other hand, when the air conditioner is disposed in a vehicle, the predetermined space may be an occupant space in which a person rides.

When the air conditioner performs a cooling operation, an outdoor heat-exchanger provided in an outdoor unit or device may serve as a condenser, and an indoor heat-exchanger provided in an indoor unit or device may serve as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs a heating operation, the indoor heat-exchanger may serve as the condenser, and the outdoor heat-exchanger may serve as the evaporator.

FIGS. 1A-1B are a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger and a graph illustrating a variation in speed of wind passing through the heat exchanger, respectively, according to a related art. Referring to FIG. 1A, a heat exchanger 1 according to the related art includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes 2 arranged in a plurality of rows, a coupling plate 3 coupled to ends of the refrigerant tubes 2 to support the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2, and a head 4 that divides a refrigerant into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2 or mixes the refrigerant passing through the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2.

The head 4 extends lengthwise in one direction along an arranged direction of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the head 4 may extend vertically.

The heat exchanger 1 further includes a distributor 6. The distributor 6 may divide the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 1 into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2 through a plurality of branch tubes 5 or mix the refrigerants passing through the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2 with each other through the plurality of branch tubes 5. Each of the plurality of branch tubes 5 may include a capillary tube. The heat exchanger 1 further includes a distributor connection tube 7 that introduces the refrigerant into the distributor 6, and an inlet/outlet tube 8 that guides the refrigerant into the heat exchanger 1.

In the above-described heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant may flow in directions opposite to each other when cooling or heating operations are performed. Hereinafter, a case in which the heat exchanger 1 is an “outdoor heat exchanger” will be described as an example.

When the air conditioner performs the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may serve as a condenser. In detail, high-pressure refrigerant compressed in the compressor is introduced into the head 4 and then divided into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2. Then, the refrigerant is heat-exchanged with outdoor air while flowing into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2. The heat-exchanged refrigerants are mixed with each other in the distributor 6 via the plurality of branch tubes 5 to flow into the indoor device.

On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs the heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may serve as an evaporator. In detail, the refrigerant passing through the indoor device is introduced into the distributor 6 through the distributor connection tube 7. The refrigerant may be introduced into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2 through the plurality of branch tubes 5 connected to the distributor 6, and the refrigerant heat-exchanged with the plurality of refrigerant tubes 2 may be mixed in the head 4 to flow toward the compressor.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a variation in speed of wind passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 1 according to positions of the outdoor heat exchanger 1 is illustrated. A blower fan that blows external air may be disposed on or at a side of the outdoor heat exchanger 1. The external air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may vary in wind speed or amount according to installation positions of the blower fan or arrangements of structures around the outdoor heat exchanger.

For example, FIG. 1B illustrates a state in which an upper wind speed of the outdoor heat exchanger 1 is greater than a lower wind speed of the outdoor heat exchanger 1. In detail, when the blower fan is disposed at an upper portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 1, a wind speed at a portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 1 which is adjacent to the blower fan, for example, at the upper portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may be greater than a wind speed at a lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 1.

In this case, the refrigerant of the refrigerant tube 2 disposed in or at the upper portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may have a relatively superior heat-exchange efficiency. However, the heat-exchange efficiency of the refrigerant of the refrigerant tube 2 disposed in or at the lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may be reduced. To solve the above-described limitation, the branch tube 5 extending toward an upper side of the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may have a length less than a length of the branch tube 5 extending toward a lower side of the outdoor heat exchanger 1. In this case, an amount of refrigerant flowing into the branch tube 5 extending toward the upper side of the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may be less than an amount of refrigerant flowing into the branch tube 5 extending toward the lower side of the outdoor heat exchanger 1.

When the plurality of branch tubes 5 are disposed or designed in length, the plurality of branch tubes 5 may be designed in consideration of a case in which the outdoor heat exchanger 1 serves as the evaporator. In this case, when the air conditioner performs the heating operation, an amount of refrigerant divided and introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may be optimized, improving evaporation performance.

On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs the cooling operation in which the outdoor heat exchanger 1 serves as the condenser, a deviation of an outlet temperature (an outlet temperature of the condenser) of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 1 may occur, deteriorating condensation performance.

This limitation may also occur in an indoor heat exchanger that serves as the condenser or the evaporator according to an operation mode of the air conditioner as well as the heat exchanger 1 which is the outdoor heat exchanger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B are a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger according to a related art and a graph illustrating a variation in speed of wind passing through the heat exchanger;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger and peripheral components of the air conditioner of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner of FIG. 2 performs a heating operation;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner of FIG. 2 performs a cooling operation;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger and peripheral components according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger and peripheral components according to still another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an indoor device according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an indoor heat exchanger and peripheral components of the indoor device of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, alternate embodiments falling within the spirit and scope will fully convey the concept to those skilled in the art. Where possible, like reference numerals have been used to indicate like elements, and repetitive disclosure has been omitted.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger and peripheral components of the air conditioner of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, an air conditioner 10 according to an embodiment may include an outdoor unit or device disposed in an outer space and an indoor unit or device disposed in an inner space. The indoor device may include an indoor heat exchanger heat-exchanged with air of the indoor space. FIG. 2 illustrates the outdoor device.

The air conditioner 10 may include a plurality of compressors 110 and 112, and oil separators 120 and 122, respectively, disposed on outlet-sides of the plurality of compressors 110 and 112 to separate oil from a refrigerant discharged from the plurality of compressors 110 and 112. The plurality of compressors 110 and 112 may include a first compressor 110 and a second compressor 112, which may be connected in parallel to each other. A discharge temperature sensor 114 that detects a temperature of compressed refrigerant may be disposed on an outlet-side of each of the first and second compressors 110 and 112. The oil separators 120 and 122 may include a first oil separator 120 disposed at the outlet-side of the first compressor 110, and a second oil separator 122 disposed at the outlet-side of the second compressor 112.

The air conditioner 10 may include a collection passage 116 that collects the oil from the oil separators 120 and 122 and returns the oil into the first and second compressors 110 and 112. The collection passage 116 may extend from each of the outlet-sides of the first and second oil separators 120 and then be combined. The combined passage may be connected to an inlet-side tube of each of the first and second compressors 110 and 112.

A dryer 127 and a capillary 128 may be disposed in the collection passage 116. A high-pressure sensor 125 that detects a discharge pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressors 110 and 112, and a flow switch 130 that guides the refrigerant passing through the high-pressure sensor 125 to the outdoor heat exchanger 200 or the indoor device may be disposed at the outlet-sides of the first and second oil separators 120 and 122. For example, the flow switch 130 may include a four-way valve.

When the air conditioner 10 performs a cooling operation in a cooling mode, the refrigerant may be introduced from the flow switch 130 into the outdoor heat exchanger 200 via a first inlet/outlet tube 141. The first inlet/outlet tube 141 may refer to a tube that extends from the flow switch 130 to the outdoor heat exchanger 200. On the other hand, when the air conditioner operates in a heating mode, the refrigerant may flows from the flow switch 130 into an indoor heat exchange-side of the indoor device (not shown).

When the air conditioner 10 operates in the cooling mode, the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may pass through a main expansion valve 260 (electronic expansion valve) via a second inlet/outlet tube 145. The main expansion valve 260 may be fully opened so that the refrigerant is not decompressed. That is, the main expansion valve 260 may be disposed in or at an outlet-side of the outdoor heat exchanger 200. Also, the second inlet/outlet tube 145 may refer to a tube that extends from the outdoor heat exchanger 200 to the main expansion valve 260.

The refrigerant passing through the main expansion valve 260 may pass through a heatsink plate 265. The heatsink plate 265 may be disposed on an electronic unit or device including a heating component. For example, the heat generation component may include an intelligent power module (IPM). The term IPM refers to a drive circuit of a power device, such as a power MOSFET or IGBT, and a protection circuit having a self-protection function. The refrigerant tube that guides a flow of condensed refrigerant may be coupled to the heatsink plate 265 to cool the heat generation component.

The air conditioner 10 may further include a supercooling heat exchanger 270, into which the refrigerant passing through the heat-sink plate 265 may be introduced, and a supercooling distributor 271 disposed on or at an inlet-side of the supercooling heat exchanger 270 to divide the refrigerant flow. The supercooling heat exchanger 270 may serve as an intermediate heat exchanger, in which a first refrigerant circulated into the system and a portion (a second refrigerant) of the first refrigerant may be heat-exchanged with each other after the refrigerant is branched.

The first refrigerant may be a refrigerant which is introduced into the supercooling heat exchanger 270 via the supercooling distributor 271, and thus, may be supercooled by the second refrigerant. On the other hand, the second refrigerant may absorb heat from the first refrigerant.

The air conditioner 10 may include a supercooling passage 273 disposed on or at an outlet-side of the supercooling heat exchanger 270 to branch the second refrigerant from the first refrigerant. Also, a supercooling expansion device 275 that decompresses the second refrigerant may be disposed in the supercooling passage 273. The supercooling expansion device 275 may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

The second refrigerant of the supercooling passage 273 may be introduced into the supercooling heat exchanger 270, and then, may be heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant to flow toward an inlet-side of a gas/liquid separator 280. The air conditioner 10 may further include a supercooling discharge temperature sensor 276 that detects a temperature of the second refrigerant passing through the supercooling heat exchanger 270.

The gas/liquid separator 280 may separate a gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant before the refrigerant is introduced into the first and second compressors 110 and 112. The separated gaseous refrigerant may be introduced into the first and second compressors 110 and 112.

While the refrigeration cycle is driven, evaporated refrigerant may be introduced into the gas/liquid separator 280 via the flow switch 130. The evaporated refrigerant may be mixed with the second refrigerant passing through the supercooling heat exchanger 270, and then, may be introduced into the gas/liquid separator 280.

A suction temperature sensor 282 that detects a temperature of the refrigerant to be suctioned into the first and second compressors 110 and 112 may be disposed on or at the inlet-side of the gas/liquid separator 280. The first refrigerant passing through the supercooling heat exchanger 270 may be introduced into the indoor device through an indoor device connection tube 279. The indoor device connection tube 279 may include a first connection tube 279 a connected to a first side of the indoor heat exchanger 300, and a second connection tube 279 b connected to a second side of the indoor heat exchanger 300. The refrigerant introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 300 through the first connection tube 279 a may flow into the second connection tube 279 b after being heat-exchanged with the indoor heat exchanger 300. The air conditioner 10 may further include a liquid tube temperature sensor 278 disposed on or at the outlet-side of the supercooling heat exchanger 270 to detect a temperature of the first refrigerant passing through the supercooling heat exchanger 270, that is, a temperature of the supercooled refrigerant.

Components of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and peripheral components thereof will be described hereinbelow.

The air conditioner 10 may include the first inlet/outlet tube 141 that extends from the flow switch 130 to a first side of the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and the second inlet/outlet tube 145 that extends from a second side of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 to the main expansion device 260. For example, the first inlet/outlet tube 141 may be connected to an upper portion of a head 205, and the second inlet/outlet tube 145 may be connected to a distributor 230 that divides the refrigerant into the outdoor heat exchanger 200.

When the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 200 through the first inlet/outlet tube 141 and may be discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 200 through the second inlet/outlet tube 145. On the other hand, when the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation, the refrigerant may be introduced into the distributor 230 through the second inlet/outlet tube 145 and may be divided into a plurality of paths at the distributor 230, and then, may be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 200. Also, the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 200 through the first inlet/outlet tube 141.

The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may include a refrigerant tube 202 having a plurality of rows and stages. For example, a plurality of the refrigerant tube 202 may be provided, so that the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 is arranged in three rows in a horizontal direction and stepped in a plurality of stages in a vertical direction. The plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

The plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 may be bent to extend in a lengthwise direction. For example, in FIG. 3, the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 may extend again in a forward direction after extending in a backward direction from the ground. In this case, each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 may have a U shape.

The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may further include a coupling plate 203 that supports the refrigerant tube 202. A plurality of the coupling plate 203 may be provided, to support a first side and a second side of each refrigerant tube 202, each of which may have the bent shape. FIG. 3 illustrates one coupling plate 203 that supports one side of the refrigerant tube 202. The coupling plate 203 may extend lengthwise in a vertical direction.

The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may further include a return tube 204 coupled to an end of each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 to guide the refrigerant flowing in one refrigerant tube 202 into the other refrigerant tube 202. A plurality of the return tube 204 may be provided and may be coupled to the coupling plate 203.

The outdoor heat exchanger 200 may further include the head 205 that defines a flow space for the refrigerant. The head 205 may divide the refrigerant and introduce the divided refrigerant into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 according to the cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner 10 or mix the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the plurality of refrigerant tube 202. The head 205 may extend lengthwise in a vertical direction to correspond to an extension direction of the coupling plate 203.

A plurality of refrigerant inflow tubes 206 may extend between the head 205 and the coupling plate 203. The plurality of refrigerant inflow tubes 206 may extend from the head 205, and then, may be connected to the refrigerant tube 202 supported by the coupling plate 203. Also, the plurality of refrigerant inflow tubes 206 may be vertically spaced apart from each other.

When the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation, the refrigerant of the head 205 may be introduced into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 through the plurality of refrigerant inflow tubes 206. On the other hand, when the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation, the refrigerant of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 may be introduced into the head 205 through the plurality of refrigerant inflow tubes 206.

The air conditioner 10 may further include the distributor 230 that divides the refrigerant and introduces the divided refrigerant into the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and a distributor connection tube 235 that guides the refrigerant into the distributor 230. The distributor connection tube 235 may be coupled to the second inlet/outlet tube 145 to extend to an inlet-side of the distributor 230. An “inflow side” of the distributor 230 may represent a direction in which the refrigerant is introduced into the distributor 230 when the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation. That is, the distributor connection tube 235 and the second inlet/outlet tube 145 may be disposed between the main expansion valve 260 and the distributor 230.

The air conditioner 10 may further include a plurality of capillary tubes 207 that extends from the distributor 230 to the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 as “branch tubes”. When the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation, the refrigerant may be divided by the distributor 230 and flow into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 through the plurality of capillary tubes 207.

The air conditioner 10 may further include a branch tube 208 that connects the plurality of capillary tubes 207 to the refrigerant tube 202. The branch tube 208 may divide the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 in two directions to allow the refrigerant to flow into the capillary tube 207 and a bypass tube 210.

In detail, the branch tube 208 may include a first branch 208 a connected to the capillary tube 207, and a second branch 208 b connected to the bypass tube 210. For example, the branch tube 208 may have a Y shape due to the first and second branches 208 a and 208 b. At least one branch tube 208 may be provided to correspond to a number of bypass tubes 210.

When the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation, at least a first portion of the refrigerant heat-exchanged while flowing through the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 may flow into the first branch 208 a of the branch tube 208, and a second portion of the refrigerant may flow into the second branch 208 b of the branch tube 208. When the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation, the bypass tube 210 may refer to a guide tube that allows the refrigerant passing through the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 to bypass the distributor 230 so that the refrigerant flows into the distributor connection tube 235. At least one bypass tube 210 may be provided in consideration of installation conditions, that is, external environments of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and wind speed conditions of external air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 200. As described above, the bypass tube 210 may be connected to the second branch 208 b of the branch tube 208. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, ten capillary tubes 207 that extend from the distributor 230 to the refrigerant tube 202 may be provided.

The air conditioner 10 may further include a blower fan 300 disposed above the outdoor heat exchanger 200 to blow external air. Thus, a speed of external air passing through the upper refrigerant tube of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be relatively high.

Also, one bypass tube 210 may be provided to extend from an upper portion of the head 205. In this case, one branch tube 208 may be provided on or at an upper portion of the head 205. That is, one of ten capillary tubes 207 may be connected to the branch tube 208, and nine capillary tubes 207 may be directly connected to the refrigerant tube 202.

Although one bypass tube 210 is provided in the drawings, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a minimum of two to a maximum of ten bypass tubes 210 may be provided. Also, the number of branch tubes 208 may correspond to the number of bypass tubes 210.

The air conditioner 10 may further include a connection tube 225 that extends from the bypass tube 210 to the distributor connection tube 235, and a combination tank 220 coupled to the connection tube 225 to store the refrigerant flowing through the bypass tube 210. The refrigerant flowing through the bypass tube 210 via the second branch 208 b of the branch tube 208 may be stored in the combination tank 220.

When a plurality of the bypass tube 210 is provided, the refrigerants flowing through the plurality of bypass tubes 210 may be mixed with each other and stored in the combination tank 220. On the other hand, when one bypass tube 210 is provided, the combination tank 220 may not be provided, and one bypass tube 210 may be directly connected to the connection tube 225.

When the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation, the refrigerant stored in the combination tank 220 may flow to the distributor connection tube 235 via the connection tube 225. Then, the refrigerant may be mixed with the refrigerant passing through the distributor 230 via the plurality of capillary tubes 207 to flow into the second inlet/outlet tube 145.

The air conditioner 10 may further include a check valve 227 disposed in the connection tube 225 to guide a flow of the refrigerant flowing through the connection tube 225 in one direction. The check valve 227 may allow the refrigerant to flow from the bypass tube 210 toward the distributor connection tube 235 when the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation and prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the distributor connection tube 235 toward the bypass tube 210 when the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation.

Hereinafter, a flow of refrigerant in the air conditioner 10 when the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation and the cooling operation will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner of FIG. 2 performs a heating operation. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner of FIG. 2 performs a cooling operation.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the air conditioner performs the heating operation, a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed in the first and second compressors 110 and 112 may be separated from oil while passing through the first and second oil separators 120 and 122, and the separated oil may return to the first and second compressors 110 and 112 through the collection passage 116. Also, the refrigerant from which the oil is separated may flow toward the indoor device via the flow switch 130.

The refrigerant introduced into the indoor device may be condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, and the condensed refrigerant may be introduced into the supercooling heat exchanger 270 through the indoor device connection tube 279. A portion of the refrigerant may be divided from the supercooling passage 273 and decompressed in the supercooling expansion device 275, and then, may be introduced into the supercooling heat exchanger 270.

The condensed refrigerant and the refrigerant flowing through the supercooling passage 273 may be heat-exchanged with each other in the supercooling heat exchanger 270 to supercool the condensed refrigerant. The supercooled refrigerant passing through the supercooling heat exchanger 270 may cool the heating components of the electronic device while passing through the heatsink plate 265, and then, may be decompressed in the main expansion valve 260.

The decompressed refrigerant may be introduced into the distributor 230 via the second inlet/outlet tube 145 and the distributor tube 235. The refrigerant may be divided in the distributor 230 to flow through the plurality of capillary tubes 207, and then, may be introduced into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202. The refrigerant may be evaporated while flowing through the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202, and the evaporated refrigerant may be discharged to the first inlet/outlet tube 141 via the head 205.

The refrigerant of the first inlet/outlet tube 141 may be introduced into the gas/liquid separator 280 via the flow switch 130, and the separated gas refrigerant may be suctioned into the first and second compressors 110 and 112.

A flow of the refrigerant of the distributor tube 235 into the connection tube 225 may be restricted by the check valve 227. Thus, a flow of the refrigerant into the bypass tube 210 may not occur.

As described above, when the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may function as the evaporator. Also, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 200 through the distributor 230. On the other hand, the flow of the refrigerant into the bypass tube 210 may be restricted.

When the outdoor heat exchanger 200 is designed according to this embodiment, dispositions of the distributor 230 and the capillary tube 207 may be designed so that an evaporation performance is sufficiently secured through only the refrigerant flow through the plurality of capillary tubes 207.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation, a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed in the first and second compressors 110 and 112 may be separated from oil while passing through the first and second oil separators 120 and 122, and the separated oil may return to the first and second compressors 110 and 112 through the collection passage 116. Also, the refrigerant from which the oil is separated may flow into the first inlet/outlet tube 141 via the flow switch 130, and then, may be introduced into the head 205 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200.

The refrigerant introduced into the head 205 may be introduced into the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 via the refrigerant inflow tube 206. The refrigerant of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 may be condensed while being heat-exchanged. A first portion of the condensed refrigerant may be discharged to the first branch 208 a of the branch tube 208 to flow into the capillary tube 207. A second portion of the condensed refrigerant may be discharged to the second branch 208 b of the branch tube 208 to flow into the bypass tube 210. Of course, all of the refrigerant may flow into the capillary tube(s) 207 at a side of the refrigerant tube(s) 202 which is (are) not connected to the bypass tube 210.

The refrigerant of the plurality of capillary tubes 207 may be introduced into the distributor 230, and then, may be discharged to the distributor tube 235. Also, the refrigerant of the bypass tube 210 may flow into the distributor tube 235 via the combination tank 220 and the connection tube 225. The check valve 227 may guide a flow of the refrigerant in the connection tube 225. That is, the refrigerant of the plurality of capillary tubes 207 and the refrigerant of the bypass tube 210 may be mixed with each other in the distributor tube 235.

The refrigerant mixed in the distributor tube 235 may flow through the second inlet/outlet passage 145 to pass through the main expansion device 260. Then, the refrigerant may pass through the heatsink plate 265 and the supercooling heat exchanger 270 to flow toward the indoor device. The refrigerant may be expanded and evaporated in the indoor device, and then, may be suctioned into the first and second compressors 110 and 120 via the flow switch 130 and the gas/liquid separator 280. This cycle may be repeatedly performed.

As described above, when the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may function as the condenser. Also, a first portion of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may flow into the plurality of capillary tubes 207, and a second portion of the refrigerant may flow toward the distributor tube 235 through the bypass tube 210.

As described above, when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as the condenser, a refrigerant path may be additionally secured to reduce a deviation of an outlet temperature of the refrigerant passing through the condenser.

In detail, in a case of an air conditioner, in which the bypass tube 210 is not provided, according to the related art, a portion of the refrigerant condensed in the plurality of refrigerant tubes may have a supercooling degree greater than a supercooling degree of the refrigerant condensed in the other refrigerant tube. In particular, a portion at which a speed of external air is greater than a preset or predetermined wind speed, for example, an upper portion of the outdoor heat exchanger, may have a heat exchange amount greater than a heat exchange amount of a lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. Thus, the refrigerant passing though the upper portion of the heat exchanger may have a supercooling degree greater than a supercooling degree of the refrigerant passing through the lower portion of the heat exchanger. If a deviation of the supercooling degree of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger is high, heat-exchange performance of the air conditioner may be reduced.

Thus, in this embodiment, the bypass tube may be disposed at the refrigerant tube having a low output temperature of the condenser, that is, the refrigerant tube having a high supercooling degree, to increase an amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant tube and also reduce the supercooling degree. As a result, a deviation of the output temperature of the refrigerant passing through the plurality of refrigerant tubes, that is, a deviation of the supercooling degree may be reduced.

Hereinafter, additional embodiments will be described. As the embodiments may be the same as the previous embodiment except for only portions of the components, only the difference (s) therebetween will be described, descriptions of the same or like parts will be denoted by the same or like reference numerals and descriptions of the previous embodiment, and repetitive disclosure has been omitted.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger and peripheral components according to another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, an air conditioner according to this embodiment may further include a storage tank 250 coupled to connection tube 225.

When the air conditioner performs a cooling operation, a refrigerant condensed in outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be unnecessarily excessive. For example, if an indoor load for the cooling operation is not large, the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 200, that is, a liquid refrigerant, may be accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 200. If the liquid refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 200 is unnecessarily excessive, condensation performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be reduced. Thus, the air conditioner according to this embodiment may include the storage tank 250 to store liquid refrigerant accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 200 installed on the connection tube 225.

The storage tank 250 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a height of a lower or a lowermost refrigerant tube 202 of a plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 so that the liquid refrigerant of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 may be introduced into the storage tank 250. That is, the connection tube 225 and the storage tank 250 may be disposed at positions corresponding to a lower or a lowermost portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 200.

The storage tank 250 may be disposed at an inflow-side or a discharge-side of check valve 227 of the connection tube 225. The term “inflow side” may refer to a direction in which the refrigerant is introduced into the check valve 227 when the air conditioner performs the cooling operation. That is, the check valve 227 may be disposed between the storage tank 250 and combination tube 220, or the storage tank 250 may be disposed between the check valve 227 and the combination tank 220.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger and peripheral components according to still another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, an air conditioner according to this embodiment may include a plurality of bypass tubes 210 connected to a plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 of outdoor heat exchanger 200. For example, the plurality of bypass tubes 210 may be provided in a number corresponding to a number of capillary tubes 207. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7, ten capillary tubes 207 and ten bypass tubes 210 may be provided, for example.

Of course, it is unnecessary that the number of plurality of bypass tubes 210 corresponds to the number of capillary tubes 207. The plurality of bypass tubes 210 may be selectively provided to or at a side of a refrigerant tube at which the outdoor heat exchanger 200 has an outlet temperature less than a preset or predetermined temperature when the outdoor heat exchanger 200 functions as a condenser. For example, two to nine bypass tubes 210 may be provided. The air conditioner may also include a plurality of branch tubes 208 connected to the plurality of bypass tubes 210. The number of branch tubes 208 may correspond to the number of bypass tubes 210.

In summary, the plurality of capillary tubes 207 may be connected to a first branch 208 a of the plurality of branch tubes 208, and the plurality of bypass tubes 210 may be connected to a second branch 208 a of the plurality of branch tubes 208. When the air conditioner performs a cooling operation, a refrigerant condensed in the plurality of refrigerant tubes 202 may be divided into the capillary tubes 207 and the bypass tubes 210 through the plurality of branch tubes 208. Also, the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of bypass tubes 210 may be mixed in combination tank 220, and then, may flow into distributor tube 235 via the connection tube 225.

Hereinafter, descriptions will be made according to a still further embodiment. This embodiment has main features of a distributor and bypass tube, which are connected to an indoor heat exchanger instead of an outdoor heat exchanger. Thus, difference with respect to the previous embodiments will be mainly described, the same or like parts will be denoted with the same or like reference numerals of the previous embodiments, and repetitive disclosure has been omitted.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an indoor device according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an indoor heat exchanger and peripheral components of the indoor device of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 8, an indoor unit or device 30 according to this embodiment may include a cabinet 31 that defines an exterior thereof, a case 32 inserted into the cabinet 31 to protect inner components, an indoor heat exchanger 300 disposed in the case 32 and mounted to be spaced inward from the case 32, a fan assembly 37 and 38 disposed in the indoor heat exchanger 300, a drain pan 35 seated on an upper portion of the indoor heat exchanger 300 to receive condensate water formed on a surface of the indoor heat exchanger 300, a shroud disposed in the drain pan 35 to guide suction of indoor air, and a front panel 39 seated on an upper portion of the drain pan 35 to cover the case 32.

The fan assembly 37 and 38 may include a fan motor 37, and a blower fan 38 connected to a rotational shaft of the fan motor 37 to rotate, thereby suctioning the indoor air. A centrifugal fan that suctions air in an axial direction to discharge the suctioned air in a radial direction, more particularly, a turbo fan, may be used as the blower fan 38. The fan motor 37 may be fixed and mounted on a base 33 by a motor mount.

A suction grille 39 a that suctions the indoor air may be mounted on the front panel 39, and a filter 42 that filters the suctioned indoor air may be mounted on a bottom surface of the suction grille 39 a. Discharge holes 45, through which the suctioned indoor air may be discharged, may be defined in four edge surfaces of the front panel 39, and each of the discharge holes 45 may be selectively opened or closed by a louver.

A recess 40, in which a lower end of the indoor heat exchanger 300 may be accommodated, may be defined in a lower portion of the drain pan 35, in detail, the recess 40 may provide a space into which the condensate water generated on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 300 may drop down and be collected. A drain pump (not shown) that drains the condensate water may be mounted in the recess 40.

Also, an orifice 36 bent at a predetermined curvature to minimize flow resistance while indoor air is suctioned may be disposed inside the shroud. The orifice 36 may extend in a cylindrical shape toward the blower fan 38.

Referring to FIG. 9, the indoor heat exchanger 300 according to this embodiment may further include a plurality of refrigerant tubes 302, and a coupling plate 303 that supports the plurality of refrigerant tubes 302. A plurality of the coupling plates 303 may be provided to support a first side and a second side of each refrigerant tube 302, each of which may have a bent shape. The indoor heat exchanger 300 may further include a return tube 304 coupled to an end of each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 302 to guide the refrigerant flowing in one refrigerant tube 302 into the other refrigerant tube 302, a head 305 that defines a flow space for the refrigerant, and a plurality of refrigerant inflow tubes 306 disposed to extend between the head 305 and the coupling plate 303.

Distributor 230, capillary tube 207, branch tube 208, bypass tube 210, combination tank 220, and check valve 227, described with respect to the previous embodiment, may be disposed on or at one side of the indoor heat exchanger 300. Repetitive descriptions of the above-described components has been omitted.

First connection tube 279 a of first and second connection tubes 279 a and 279 b may be connected to the head 305, and second connection tube 279 b may be connected to the distributor 230.

When an air conditioner performs a cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 300 may serve as an evaporator. In detail, refrigerant may be introduced into the distributor 230 through the second connection tube 279 b, and also may be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 300 through the plurality of capillary tubes 207. A flow of the refrigerant into the bypass tube 210 may be restricted by the check valve 227.

On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs a heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 300 may serve as a condenser. In detail, refrigerant may be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 300 through the first connection tube 279 a, and also may be introduced into the distributor 300 through the plurality of capillary tubes 207. At least a portion of the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 300 may flow through the bypass tube 210.

As described above, when the indoor heat exchanger functions as the evaporator, a flow of the refrigerant in the bypass tube may be restricted. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as the condenser, a flow of refrigerant in the bypass tube may be allowable.

According to embodiments, a connection structure of the tube extending from the distributor to the heat exchanger may be improved, improving evaporation performance and condensation performance when the heat exchanger functions as the evaporator or condenser. More particularly, when the heat exchanger functions as the evaporator, the plurality of branch tubes that guides the flow of the refrigerant from the distributor to the heat exchanger may be provided. Also, when the heat exchanger functions as the condenser, the at least one bypass tube that guides the flow of the refrigerant from the heat exchanger to the distributor connection tube may be provided. Thus, when the refrigerant is condensed or evaporated, the flow path of the refrigerant may be different.

Also, as the connection tube that guides the refrigerant flowing through the bypass tube into the distributor connection tube and the check valve installed in the connection tube are provided, when the heat exchanger functions as the evaporator, the refrigerant flow through the connection tube may be restricted. When the heat exchanger functions as the condenser, the refrigerant flow through the connection tube may be guided.

Thus, even though an amount of refrigerant which can pass through the heat exchanger is designed in consideration of the evaporator, when the heat exchanger functions as the condenser, an amount of refrigerant that can pass through the heat exchanger may be additionally secured. As a result, deviation of the outlet temperature of the evaporator when the heat exchanger functions as the evaporator and deviation of the outlet temperature of the evaporator when the heat exchanger functions as the condenser may be reduced.

Also, as the storage tank is provided on the connection tube, when the heat exchanger functions as the condenser, condensed liquid refrigerant may be stored so that an excessive refrigerant does not exist in the condenser. Also, the tube connection part connected to the branch tube and the bypass tube may be provided in the head of the heat exchanger. In a process of installing the heat exchanger, as the plurality of tube connection parts corresponding to the number of bypass tubes are provided, an optimum heat exchanger according to an installation environment may be enabled.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioner having improved heat-exchange efficiency and operation performance.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioner that may include a heat exchanger including a plurality of refrigerant tubes; a distributor disposed or at on one side of the heat exchanger to divide a refrigerant into a plurality of flow paths; a plurality of capillary tubes that extends from the distributor toward the plurality of refrigerant tubes; and a bypass tube that extends from the plurality of refrigerant tubes. The bypass tube may allow the refrigerant to bypass the distributor, thereby guiding a flow of the refrigerant toward an outlet of the distributor.

The air conditioner may further include a branch tube connected to one capillary tube of the plurality of capillary tubes and the bypass tube. The branch tube may be connected to one refrigerant tube of the plurality of refrigerant tubes, and the branch tube may include a first branch part or branch that guides a refrigerant passing through the one refrigerant tube to the capillary tube; and a second branch part or branch that guides the refrigerant passing through the one refrigerant tube to the bypass tube.

The air conditioner may further include a distributor connection tube connected to the distributor to introduce the refrigerant into the distributor during a heating operation, and a connection tube that extends from the bypass tube to the distributor connection tube. The air conditioner may further include a check valve disposed in the connection tube to guide the refrigerant in the connection tube in one direction. The check valve may restrict a flow of the refrigerant from the distributor connection tube toward the bypass tube when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

The heat exchanger may include an outdoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner may further include a main expansion valve disposed on or at one side of the outdoor heat exchanger. The distributor connection tube may be disposed between the main expansion valve and the distributor. The air conditioner may further include a combination tank disposed on the connection tube and in which the refrigerant passing through the bypass tube may be mixed.

The bypass tube may be connected to one side of the refrigerant tube, in which a speed of external air passing through the heat exchanger is greater than a preset or predetermined wind speed, of the plurality of refrigerant tubes disposed in the heat exchanger.

The air conditioner may further include a blower fan disposed above the heat exchanger to blow external air. The heat exchanger may extend in a vertical direction, and the refrigerant tube in which a speed of external air is greater than a preset or predetermined wind speed may be disposed in an upper portion of the heat exchanger.

The air conditioner may further include a storage tank disposed on the connection tube to store a liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat exchanger. The check valve may be disposed between the connection tube and the combination tank.

A plurality of bypass tubes may be provided.

The heat exchanger may include an indoor heat exchanger, and the air conditioner may further include a turbo fan that blows indoor air toward the indoor heat exchanger.

Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an air conditioner that may include a heat exchanger including a plurality of refrigerant tubes; a distributor that divides a refrigerant to introduce the divided refrigerant into the heat exchanger during a heating operation; a distributor connection tube disposed on or at an inlet-side of the distributor; a plurality of capillary tubes that extends from the distributor to the plurality of refrigerant tubes; a branch tube including a first branch part or branch connected to the plurality of capillary tubes; a bypass tube connected to a second branch part or branch of the branch tube; and a connection tube that extends from the distributor connection tube to the bypass tube. The air conditioner may further include a check valve connected in the connection tube to restrict a flow of the refrigerant in the connection tube.

A plurality of the bypass tube may be provided, and a combination tank that mixes the refrigerants flowing through the plurality of bypass tubes with each other may be disposed on the connection tube. The air conditioner may further include a storage tank disposed on the connection tube. The storage tank may be disposed at a position corresponding to the refrigerant tube disposed in or at a lower portion of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may include an outdoor heat exchanger or an indoor heat exchanger.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An air conditioner, comprising: a heat exchanger comprising a plurality of refrigerant tubes; a distributor disposed at one side of the heat exchanger to divide a refrigerant into a plurality of flow paths; a plurality of capillary tubes that extends from the distributor toward the plurality of refrigerant tubes; and at least one bypass tube that extends from the plurality of refrigerant tubes, wherein the at least one bypass tube allows the refrigerant to bypass the distributor, thereby guiding a flow of the refrigerant toward an outlet of the distributor.
 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising at least one branch tube connected to one capillary tube of the plurality of capillary tubes and the at least one bypass tube.
 3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the at least one branch tube is connected to one refrigerant tube of the plurality of refrigerant tubes, and wherein the at least one branch tube comprises: a first branch that guides a refrigerant passing through the one refrigerant tube to the one capillary tube; and a second branch that guides the refrigerant passing through the one refrigerant tube to the at least one bypass tube.
 4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a distributor connection tube connected to the distributor to introduce the refrigerant into the distributor during a heating operation; and a connection tube that extends from the at least one bypass tube to the distributor connection tube.
 5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, further comprising a check valve disposed in the connection tube to guide the refrigerant in the connection tube in one direction.
 6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein the check valve restricts a flow of the refrigerant from the distributor connection tube toward the at least one bypass tube when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.
 7. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the heat exchanger comprises an outdoor heat exchanger.
 8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, further comprising a main expansion valve disposed at one side of the outdoor heat exchanger, wherein the distributor connection tube is disposed between the main expansion valve and the distributor.
 9. The air conditioner according to claim 5, further comprising a combination tank disposed on the connection tube and in which the refrigerant passing through the at least one bypass tube is mixed.
 10. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bypass tube is connected to one side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes, at which side a speed of external air passing through the heat exchanger is greater than a predetermined wind speed.
 11. The air conditioner according to claim 10, further comprising a blower fan disposed above the heat exchanger to blow the external air, wherein the heat exchanger extends in a vertical direction, and wherein the side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes at which side the speed of the external air is greater than the predetermined wind speed is disposed at an upper portion of the heat exchanger.
 12. The air conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising a storage tank disposed on the connection tube to store a liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat exchanger.
 13. The air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein the check valve is disposed between the connection tube and the combination tank.
 14. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bypass tube comprises a plurality of bypass tubes.
 15. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger comprises an indoor heat exchanger, and wherein the air conditioner further comprises a turbo fan that blows indoor air toward the indoor heat exchanger.
 16. An air conditioner, comprising: a heat exchanger comprising a plurality of refrigerant tubes; a distributor that divides a refrigerant to introduce the divided refrigerant into the heat exchanger during a heating operation; a distributor connection tube disposed at an inlet-side of the distributor; a plurality of capillary tubes that extends from the distributor to the plurality of refrigerant tubes; at least one branch tube comprising a first branch connected to at least one of the plurality of capillary tubes; at least one bypass tube connected to a second branch of the at least one branch tube; and a connection tube that extends from the distributor connection tube to the at least one bypass tube.
 17. The air conditioner according to claim 16, further comprising a check valve installed on the connection tube to restrict a flow of the refrigerant in the connection tube.
 18. The air conditioner according to claim 16, wherein the at least one bypass tube comprises a plurality of bypass tubes, and wherein a combination tank that mixes the refrigerants flowing through the plurality of bypass tubes with each other is disposed on the connection tube.
 19. The air conditioner according to claim 16, further comprising a storage tank disposed on the connection tube, wherein the storage tank is disposed at a position corresponding to a refrigerant tube of the plurality of refrigerant tubes disposed at a lower portion of the heat exchanger.
 20. The air conditioner according to claim 16, wherein the heat exchanger comprises an outdoor heat exchanger or an indoor heat exchanger. 